Cuba has announced a suspension of fuel supplies for airlines for one month as a direct consequence of the recent U.S. oil ban. This move comes in light of a fuel crisis that has been exacerbated by U.S. sanctions affecting oil shipments from Venezuela, dramatically impacting various sectors on the island, including healthcare, transportation, and tourism. As a result, many resorts have shut down, and public services, including schools and offices, have significantly reduced their operations.

The airline industry's near-total halt is imminent, with reports indicating that all airlines serving Cuban airports will be unable to refuel starting from midnight on Monday. This development poses a severe challenge to travelers and the tourism sector, which is a critical part of the Cuban economy. The length of the fuel shortage, expected to last at least a month, raises concerns about the broader implications for essential services and economic stability in Cuba, often heavily reliant on external fuel sources.

In response to this crisis, Mexico is exploring ways to negotiate potential oil shipments to Cuba while circumventing U.S. sanctions. The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has already sent over 814 tons of aid to assist Cuba during this challenging period. The unfolding situation highlights the complex relationship between U.S. sanctions and the humanitarian consequences faced by Cuba, along with the broader geopolitical ramifications involved in U.S.-Latin American relations.